Cultdreams - ‘Love Won’t Let Me Go & Death Consumes Me review’
Cultdreams by Martyna Bannister
Cultdreams are here, and you need to listen. Since emerging just over a decade ago, duo - Lucinda Lingstone and Conor Dawson have consistently demonstrated a fearless commitment to exploring uncharted territory within the ever-evolving soundscape. Even describing themselves as ‘Queer, lo-fi, showgaze rage’ online. Their latest release, Love Won’t Let Me Go & Death Consumes Me, showcases a refined creative synergy, shedding past identities and embracing a bold redefinition of their sound.
Right from the start, Cultdreams seeks to entice listeners with Begin Again, an instrumental introduction that takes listeners on a sonic journey, weaving together synths, echoing guitars, and spacious drums. A short but welcome start to the album, it quickly shifts into their lead single Want It More - a vibrant, atmospheric pop track that moves away from the raw punk energy that was heard in the band’s earlier work. The song’s high energy reflects its theme of triumph and release, serving as an anthem for leaving behind environments or people that no longer serve your purpose.
As the album journeys on, we dive into Black Shirt, a homage I’d say to their earlier work of Things That Hurt. Black Shirt is a plea, a cry, where the vocals take centre stage, and is partnered by the backing instruments that act as pillars, pushing the voice at the forefront. In contrast stands Chicago Blues, where the backing instruments lower their intensity to allow Lucinda's lead vocals to shine through. This thoughtful arrangement gives listeners space to absorb both the melody and the lyrics. As the song approaches its conclusion, Lucinda's voice recedes, making way for a rich tapestry of synthesisers layered over the instruments.
Midway through the album comes its title track, Love Won't Let Me Go & Death Consumes Me, a heart-pounding composition that echoes the sonic landscape of 'Want it More' with its 80s-influenced electronic drums and synthesisers. The track's intense, claustrophobic beat perfectly matches lyrics like 'hands are all smothering me... tying me down.' It's a powerful meditation on the all-consuming nature of love and mortality, suggesting that passionate love inevitably leads to loss and death.
Rising above the rest, Wild & Free captivates with contemplative power. This track feels custom-made for solitary train journeys, watching strangers blur past the window while lost in thought. At its emotional core, the song's plea of 'tell me I'm alright now?... just want to be wild & free' resonates with raw vulnerability, prompting listeners to question their own authentic selves and unfulfilled desires.
The album's closing tracks, Death Before Bed and Grieving, masterfully blend anthemic pop with haunting melancholy. These final tracks serve as a powerful testament to a decade of artistic evolution, showcasing how years of songwriting, production, and independent artistry can culminate in something truly extraordinary.
Cultdreams latest album proves that this is their most ambitious work to date, boldly stepping beyond their punk origins while honouring their sonic roots. The duo has woven a tapestry of light and shadow, where raw grief intertwines with celebration and finding your true identity. The addition of synthesisers and innovative arrangements elevates their signature sound into new territory, creating an album that feels both intimately familiar and daringly fresh.
Cultdreams, or better yet - Lucinda Lingstone and Conor Dawson - have not only pushed the boundaries of their musical identity but have emerged with something truly transformative, marking a brilliant new chapter in their journey.
Love Won’t Let Me Go & Death Consumes Me from Cultdreams is out now via Big Scary Monsters and available on all good streaming platforms.
